Why does America have such an obsession with anti-smoking and almost ignores our growing obesity epedemic?

Question

As per the question from the "big person," that is my point exactly. You make the rest of us subsidize your lifestyle at the expense of our tax burden and increased health insurance premiums. Who in the world raised you to believe that being age 44 and obese was OK?

I disagree that obesity doesn't effect others. If I have to look at someone who's fat, that makes me want to vomit. Also, we subsidize their poor lifestyle choices through health insurance premiums and Medicare and Medicaid taxes. Not only that, but have you ever sat on a plan next to a fat @ss? If so, I beg to differ that it doesn't effect anyone else.

I also disagree that it's hereditary. Less than 1% of the obese have problems that can even loosely be related to genetics, including a thyroid problem. My brother was obese, now dead, and thought it was genetic. I'm sorry, there was nothing genetic about never excercising or eating doughnuts and burger king all day.

Answer 1

I don't know.I am a 73 year old smoker and am still able to work ,take care of my house and yard.I work with people who are over weight and 20 years younger then me who can't keep up and are sick all the time.

Answer 2

I think it's because there's an easier target in the case of smoking...big tobacco companies. The obesity epidemic is much more complicated and harder to pin down. It's caused by numerous widely spread social trends that need to be addressed.

Also, smoking is the only thing in this country that kills MORE people than obesity. Being ten pounds overweight is NOT as dangerous as smoking. Additionally, no one needs to smoke. It's such a simple health measure to deal with. Stop smoking, live longer, period.

I'm not sure it's really true that smoking is a bigger focus for us anyway. Have you been to the bookstore and stood in the diet and fitness aisle? There are hundreds if not thousands of books purporting to have the the one diet that will make us all thin and healthy. There are dozens of weight loss organizations willing to take hundreds of dollars a month from you to regulate your food intake. There's enormous industry revolving around helping people lose weight. I'm sure I see just as many news stories about the danger of obesity as I do about the dangers of smoking.

But maybe I just don't notice the smoking issues because I don't smoke?

Answer 3

Obesity is not like smoking. They both are very dangerous health problems.I am over weight by about 60 lbs.(256lbs). That is dangerous because I am a diabetic. Smoking causes many health problems that could be prevented by not smoking. Yes both are a health problem but obesity is easier to cure.But smoking affects Innocent people(second hand smoke). Obesity only affects the overweight person not anyone else.

Answer 4

Smoking cigarettes are like a person laying a big fat smelly fart. it doesn't offend the person that cut it. but the person whom has to deal with the smell would like to pass out or simply get as far away from the offender. When someone is obese i just look away and everything is all right.

Answer 5

Probably because second hand smoke effects innocent people who do not want to be effected by inhaling smoke fumes from smokers; I dont smoke and I feel that if you want to kill yourself by smoking then do it on your own dont smoke around others making them more prone to lung cancer, etc. whereas, there is no such thing as second hand obesity, yes it is hereditary and has many health concerns but you are not prone to becoming obese by being around someone who is obese but if you are around someone who is smoking you are more likely to develop cancer.

Answer 6

Because its the parents fault for all the fat children. As for the adults, that's just pathetic that their obese and that they eat crap and dont mind their health. And you do mind the anti-smoking, or what?

Answer 7

the obesity epidemic is not being ignored. even fast food places serve more salads. and check out all the diet pills they're pushing in all kinds of ads, plus all the exercise classes offered on TV and exercise equipment for sale, not to mention lipo suction being offered, etc, etc. etc.

Answer 8

Epidemic for whom? As a big person, I'm comfortable with my weight. Don't tell me you're one of those people who thinks you're going to live to be 100 by eating healthy and exercising everyday? You're going to kick the bucket just like the rest of us.
I'm 44 years old and I still have jet black hair. Not one gray hair on me. Want to know why? I don't give a sh**! I don't worry about tommorow. It does not exist. Life is too short to worry about what others think of you or how you appear to others. Take it as it comes.

Answer 9

Yeah can't answer that. Good question, even though smoking is bad for you, do not use it to loss weight.

Answer 10

I can't help but notice the irony... when I quit smoking, I gain weight. :)